Richard Bennett, the UN Human Rights Council’s rapporteur for Afghanistan, stated that, ahead of the International Mine Awareness Day, the casualties caused by unexploded ordnance in Afghanistan last year amounted to 471.
On Thursday, (13 Hamal) , Bennett expressed his concerns in a report about the casualties from unexploded mines in Afghanistan, particularly the toll on children. He called for global investment in demining operations and the saving of Afghan citizens’ lives.
He added that 76% of the casualties from explosions involved children. Bennett emphasized that 24% of the casualties from mine explosions occurred while children were playing with them.
The report stressed that land contamination in Afghanistan is a continuous violation of fundamental human rights, including the right to life, health, and a safe environment.
The report also mentioned that demining programs have cleared large areas of mines by 2025, but this progress remains fragile.
Bennett further added, “I urge the international community to increase and sustain the funding for mine clearance programs in Afghanistan. We have a collective responsibility to ensure that no child mistakes a mine for a toy.”
It is noteworthy that leftover munitions from Afghanistan’s long wars continue to take the lives of civilians, especially children.
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